The Catalyst Coalition: From Broken to Healing Heart

By Geoffrey K Leigh

The Catalyst Coalition: From Broken to Healing Heart. Three midwestern best friends, move to the West Coast for college. They continue their exploration of social changes they hope will create a more supportive environment in which to raise families. When the pandemic strikes, two friends sequester in a n

• Language: English
• Publisher: Geoffrey K. Leigh
• Release date: Mar 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9780998596679

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The Catalyst Coalition

From Broken to Healing Heart

Geoffrey K. Leigh

Noussentric Press

Copyright © 2024 by Geoffrey K. Leigh, Ph.D.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, other electronic or mechanical methods, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written permission of the author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact the author.

The story, most characters, and incidents portrayed in this story are fictitious. A few locations are real, while most are fictitious.

First printing, April, 2024

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024906935

ISBN: 978-0-9985966-6-2

Book cover design: Geoffrey K. Leigh using Book Brush

Formatting: Geoffrey K. Leigh using Atticus

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America

Acknowledgements

There are several people to whom I owe gratitude for assisting in the development of my ideas and efforts along this journey.

First, I am grateful to my children and grandchildren for providing comments and examples I could draw upon to create fiction sometimes based on life. In a few cases, our discussions that provided ideas upon which to draw for developing fictional changes that could enrich the story I was attempting to create. Finally, they are always supportive of my crazy ideas and dreams, even if they do not agree with them. For that, much appreciation and love to all of them for putting up with me and my work all these years.

Much gratitude goes out to my dear friend, Marianne Lyon, who took time to read, suggested additions and/or changes, and provided support all the way through the manuscript. She helps me find ways to expand and improve my writing that I deeply appreciate.

Another dear friend, Marianne Murray, also provided insight and helpful suggestions early in the process and improves my writing as I examine her own talented expression. While I had to keep several quirky phrases, I appreciate her feedback and ideas.

A third dear friend, Janet Tillman, helped me with key perspectives and character development that in many ways changed the arc of this story because of her input and feedback. I so appreciate her candor and authenticity, which helped me improve some of the interactions and strengths of key characters.

Some days, writing became a struggle. On many other occasions, I felt inspiration that went beyond what I oft times experience as my limited sphere. For that source, may it always become available, I express gratitude for the sense that I am not alone in this journey.

Contents

Prologue

List of Primary Characters

1.Leaving Home

1. August, 2018

2.More Transitions

2. Summer, 2019

3.New Explorations

3. Spring, 2020

4.Stretching

4. Summer, 2020

5.Exploring the Unsaid

5. Fall, 2020

6.Graduation

6. Fall, 2024

7.Ceremonies

7. July, 2026

8.Making Connections

8. July, 2026 (Continued)

9.The Concert

9. Spring, 2028

10.Spring Blessing

10. March, 2029

11.The Memorial

11. June, 2029

12.The Foundation

12. June, 2029 (Continued)

13.Connections

13. March, 2030

14.Expansions

14. July, 2030

15.Lies and Covers

15. June, 2031

16.Sacrament and Service

16. February, 2032

17.A Wonderment

17. September, 2032

18.A Transformational Effort

18. Fall, 2033

19.All About Relationships

19. February, 2034

20.National Commitment

20. April, 2034

21.A Bifurcation

21. March, 2035

22.Expansion and Explorations

22. November, 2035

23.Trials and Turning Points

23. June, 2036

24.Expanding Heartful Growth

24. September, 2038

25.Coalescence

25. August, 2039

26.Reaching Farther

26. August, 2043

27.Unsettling Trends

27. Spring, 2048

28.Scoping the Future

28. November, 2048

About the author

Also by

Geoffrey K. Leigh

Prologue

List of Primary Characters

Audri (Dri) Giovanni:  Youngest daughter of Bella and Rick. Spent time in counseling with Doc during high school. Age 18. (All ages as of 2018)

Tanika (Nika) Washington: Best friend to Dri and Soph in high school. Parents are Beverley and Tyrell. Younger brother is Denzel. Age 18.

Sophie (Soph):  Best friend to Dri and Nika. Dri’s tennis partner in high school. Age 18.

Dr. Alberto Salvador (Doc):  Counselor to Dri during high school. Died in 2016.

Alexander (Alex) Giovanni:  Middle child of Rick and Bella. Graduated high school in 2016. Age 20.

Sarah Giovanni:  Oldest daughter of Rick and Bella. Graduated from University of Iowa, 2018. Age 22.

Isabella (Bella) Moretti Giovanni:   Mother of Dri, Alex, and Sarah and married to Rick. Works in real estate. Age 50.

Rick Giovanni:  Bella’s husband and father to Sarah, Alex, and Dri. Owner of a local Italian restaurant in Iowa City, IA.  Age 52.

Santiago (Tiago) Garcia:  Younger son of Miguel and Gabriela and grandson of Dr. Alberto Salvador. Age 19.

Emma Moretti:  Bella’s younger sister and wife of Phil. Mother of Alisa. Age 48.

Omar Guenechia:  Minor owner of Oenophilia Winery in Napa. Father of Alberto Guenechia. Age 48.

Naeem Walker:  Lives in Oakland, graduate of UC Berkeley in art. Age 22.

Gabriella (Gabby) Garcia:  Mother of Javier and Tiago and daughter of Alberto. Married to Miguel. Age 45.

Fadima Khalid:  Born in Beirut, Lebanon, now living in New York City.  Husband was Ahmad, and mother to Husayn (age 11). Age 38.

Rachel Meyer:  Born in New York City, now living with her wife, Ariella, in Las Vegas. Their son is Joseph (age 13). Age 40.

Ariella Romano:  Married to Rachel, lives in las Vegas. Son is Joseph, age 13). Age 37.

Kiara Wallerston:  An Illinois state senator, born in India, now lives in Chicago with her husband, Sam. Their daughter is Diya (age 9). Age 41.

Sam Wallerston:  A financial advisor living in Chicago and married to Kiara, father to Diya (age 9). Age 44.

Imani Jackson:  Las Vega police officer. Married to Raimy. Age 24.

Carl Strunk:  Boy from Kentucky. Age 14.

Silvia Stevens:  Woman from Fresno, CA. Age 32.

Charlene Hoover:  President of the Primordial Family Foundation (PFF). Age 55.

Chapter 1

Leaving Home

August, 2018

Trees, flowers and every imaginable weed blossom with all the energy they now possess. Grass already requires more than once a week mowing from the winter rains and moisture hanging heavily in the fresh air. People scurry about walking, running, playing, grateful for warmth and decreased rainfall, provided by longer days outdoors in the toasty ball of sky light.

Dri, Nika and Soph, the trois Mousquetaires, known as such the last two years of high school, finally graduate. Their mutual support and focus on high grades, excellent tennis, and good times together, pays off. Such celebrations invite additional school dances, games, and parties. The Mousquetaires collaborative graduation party becomes highly desired and richly attended. Even Cher-Devil, the early nemesis turned supporter after the air clearing conversation, arrives with a group of friends to expand the fun and diverse representation of their class. The party evolves into the Iowa’s City High student event of the year.

But all attending the same college for these three beloved friends fragments in a less tidy package without a single ornamental bow.

Dri and her best friend, Nika, created two long term goals that took root during their high school years. First, they wanted to attend the same college and be roommates. These two allies had been close since 5th grade and desired to continue their cherished connection.

Their heart link expanded when Dri organized a school vigil following the physical assault on Tanika and her brother two years ago. Sophie, the third Mousquetaires, remained a constant participant and support of Dri and Nika.

Their triadic alliance solidified further during the emotional heart opening explorations the last year and a half of high school, based on Dri’s restorative work with her therapist, Doc. Extensive exploration of their inner life and secrets combined with essential practices loosened the threads of attachments to defensive reactions.

Secondly, these three young women all exhibited a passion to play college tennis. Such desire stimulated them to expand their competitive skills. The likelihood of their dream coming true increased when all three had a great tournament during their senior year at the Iowa State Tennis finals.

Systems of higher education, however, do not always collaborate with girlhood plans. When a scholarship offer arrived, Dri was delighted that it allowed her to continue playing in college and live close to her brother and protector at UC Davis. The acceptance became a compromise for her, being at school with Alex rather than living on the same campus with her best friends.

But Nika did not exactly preserve her part of the agreement. She won the state single’s championship on top of excellent grades, solidifying her scholarship to Stanford University. She cherished the opportunity and felt regret for attending alone.

Sophie decided to attend the University of Washington, also on a tennis scholarship. While she desires to be close to the other two, her connection to extended family in the Seattle area becomes a formidable allure, especially when Nika and Dri accept invitations to attend separate universities. At least she, too, will reside on the West Coast, with easy flights to the Bay Area or visits during their summers back home in Iowa City.

The positive news for Nika and Dri derives from the close proximity between their choices for higher education. Stanford and Davis remain just a couple of hours apart, DOT. Such an abbreviation typically refers to a Department of Transportation. Given the frequent standstill with vehicles, the more colloquial meaning evolved to "Depending On Traffic." Such a qualifying phrase follows any estimated driving distance in the greater Bay Area.

According to Bella, Dri’s mother, who once lived in the Bay Area and loves to visit big cities, California certainly does not corner the market on onerous gridlock. All large metropolitan areas, like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Seattle, sustain their own version of DOT. Apparently, gridlock occurs at some time or another in every large metropolitan area around the world. Love the mode of transportation. Resent when others slow the method.

For her 18th birthday, only a month after high school graduation, Dri’s parents pass along an older, well utilized yet functional white Prius to take to college. A communal vehicle provides considerable utility, given that Dri and Alex, her older brother, will attend the same school. It could also come in handy if an Iowa parent visits the area. For Dri, it supplies an additional connection by sharing something practical with her loving brother. And, of course, keeping it neat and tidy will fall on her solely to complete.

Dri’s excited about the car. But, now she needs to figure out how to get it from Iowa City to Davis, California. Her anxiety about driving such a long distance by herself crates a logistical challenge for which a current solution eludes her. Fortunately, Bella, who still loves the greater Bay Area, readily volunteers to help transport the car once her daughter broaches the subject. Unfortunately for her, Bella did not anticipate it would end up gorged with all the necessary college accessories.

Two drivers provide easier travel for the odyssey. Yet, Dri stresses whether such intense time together will generate a rush of reverence for her mom or deliverance when the journey is over. She worries that a three day trip may lead to the latter while hoping for the best.

During the drive across the Nebraska flat lands, Bella decides to take a risk and ask her daughter about the recent dinner with Rick, her dad, and Susan, his new wife.

I enjoyed seeing Dad. And I’m doing alright with Susan, responds Dri. But I feel his distance, even when we talk. He never seems totally present.

Did working at his restaurant during this past summer help at all?

No, not really. He seems to focus half his attention on that other woman. Even when he and I are having a conversation. It’s like he’s nervous about any response she might have.

I’m sorry, dear. Maybe it will get better the longer they’re married.

Yeah, maybe. Or he might never change. But it’s nice to see him now and again. How about some different music? I’d love to hear some of your favorites.

Bella puts in a new playlist of older music familiar to Dri, having heard her mom’s favorite songs so frequently. A little Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elton John, and Bon Jovi change up the pace considerably. They sing along and chat about lighter topics to pass the time.

Bella intends to help Dri settle into her dorm. Then she’ll enjoy additional conversation time that includes Alex, whom she has not seen in months. Bella later plans to drive the Prius an additional hour beyond Davis for a long overdue corporeal connection with her sister, Emma, who lives and works in Napa, her favorite place to enjoy local wines. While many other areas of the state produce award winning vino, this small valley makes her feel like she returns home.

While visiting, Bella will investigate the possibility of relocating to the vineyard valley and experiencing it from a perspective of permanently residing there. Spending days or weekends can stimulate a love of an area. But moving three decades worth of belongings 1800 miles requires careful consideration through a lens of residential relocation. Bella also wants to meet with some Napa brokers to investigate the possibility of becoming a local realtor, an extension of her work experience in Iowa City.

The day sustains a bounty of heat on the August afternoon when Dri and Bella arrive in Davis after their protracted journey. Luckily, the occasionally temperamental air conditioning performed well most of the distance, providing ambient relief on the road.

The summer sun alters the green spring vegetation into golden, dry summer hillsides. Besides dehydrating both traveler’s mouths and nose, summer here bestows warm sunlight combined with cool nights to encourage lush maturation of grapes around Davis and many other parts of the California landscape. Limited drip irrigation nurtures the plants. Their greenery provides local environmental nourishment on late summer days.

Both women express relief in reaching their destination and dryer air, a pleasant relief from the sauna weather of an Iowa City August. They feel drained of reserves from extended periods when they shared songs and conversations or when one drives while the other naps, which often produced cricked necks. Sue City Sue or On The Road Again will not be sung any time soon. Sufficient amounts of mountains, sage brush, and semis elicited no further interest in traveling. Despite Dri’s frequent efforts to clean, the car reeks of snack food, salty chips, and old fruit.

The weary travelers finally roll up to Alex’s apartment, primed for almost any episode external to their vehicle. Yet, Dri notices gratitude for how much fun the two of them had along the way.

Only on one occasion, passing through Omaha, did Bella tear up about a memory from her marriage to Rick. In the end, it stimulated a pleasant conversation. And Dri learned more about financial struggles her parents experienced over the marital years.

After a short walk outside, a zesty lemon-mint iced tea, and a 60 second tour of his entire apartment, Alex helps Dri and Bella find the nearby dorms. As they begin to move the belongings into Dri’s space, they also meet her new roomie, Jen. She arrived the day before from Benicia, a quaint little town on the Sacramento River, about 45 minutes southwest from Davis.

Alex lugs the first arm full of paraphernalia into the room. Jen’s eyes light up. For Alex, such a response is so routine he remains oblivious to it. But her reaction does not go undetected by Dri and Bella. They follow close behind and laugh about it all the way back to the car.

I can see this going to be a lot like our last year of Alex’s high school, giggles Dri.

Yeah, but I won’t be around to keep an eye on you, adds Bella with her own chuckle. Her smile evaporates in the August sunshine and sadness materializes in her eyes. I’ll miss you terribly!

Bella briefly imagines her empty nest life as a single woman with a choking sensation in her throat.

Dri notices the wetness in Bella’s eyes and stops in her tracks, stimulating fluid in her own.

Yeah, I’ll miss you too, Mom. I hope you decide to move out here. It would be great to have you close.

Dri imagines being able to visit her mom on special weekends. Maybe Bella could even attend some of Dri’s matches, as she usually did in high school.

Bella takes a deep breath and wipes away the optic liquid as she looks back at the 1960s style red brick dorm where Dri will reside. The grassy area in front rolls up to neatly clipped hedges hiding the building foundation. Leafy trees provide useful shade relief.

It’s very tempting, especially with your sister now in San Francisco for law school. If you all decide to stay in the area, it’ll be a done deal. You’ll have to put up with me here, too!

Dri relaxes a bit as a smile burgeons onto Bella’s lips and her head tilts to her right side.

As Dri notices her mom’s reaction, she also pays attention to a tweak in her stomach. Living closer, she would have a better idea how much to be concerned about her mom.

Somehow, their relationship has changed. Dri has not felt the need to worry up until now. Maybe the divorce transformed how she views her, a single mom on her own. Maybe it’s her own increased maturity, consideration about an aging mother with no one else in the house to notice changes. Whatever it is, a shift begins for the youngest in the family.

How’s Sarah doing? She and Marsha like the city?

She seems to be very happy in San Francisco. Both of them apparently. I’m lucky to have you all in one area, at least, chuckles Bella. Wish they were in town to visit. But next time.

Yeah, I need to call her. Haven’t talked with her in a while.

Dri turns her focus to the distribution of her belongings into the appropriate locations as Bella and Alex haul in the last three containers. The dawning student takes a relaxing breath as she settles into her new residence. She doesn’t always appreciate her drive to make order in life, especially when chest muscles stiffen and cramp her breathing. She stops. Takes a few additional slow deep breaths, allowing more oxygen and energy into her body.

Bella invites Jen to join them for dinner. She thanks them, but she has other plans.

Alex suggests a favorite place on D Street. They all drive to the restaurant in the newly spacious vehicle.

The family members relax over dinner as they talk about life and school here, a possible move for Mom to the Bay Area, majors that interest them both. They enjoy a few laughs primarily provided by Alex, the family comedian.

Bella expresses gratitude that Alex will be around to watch over this new freshman, even if he teases Dri about it, too. After an enjoyable family gathering, she drops Dri off for the first night in her new abode, Alex at his apartment, then drives to her hotel. While parking, she notices increased excitement for her anticipated exploration of Napa Valley.

Bella spends the morning touring the campus with her two younger children, getting some idea of what classes Dri will be taking and meeting Alex’s roommates. In the process, she becomes increasingly aware of her age, with all three children now having flown her nest.

Additionally, she notices a sense of relief for how well her kids are doing and apprehension for her own metamorphosing from mother to an uncharted new role. Lots of possibilities. Considerable trepidation.

Early-afternoon, she drives the Prius along I-80 towards Napa, not wanting to get caught in late day heavy commuter traffic. Once off the freeway, the route into the valley is easy, now traveling against the commuter flow. She breathes more effortlessly as she begins passing the fruit laden vineyards.

It has been years since Bella and her sister have spent much face to face time. Bella is delighted and nervous about the reconnection. She feels happy to spend time again in the house Emma and her husband, Phil, bought several years ago in Alta Heights, an older hillside section of Napa, east of downtown. Yet she and Emma have not always cherished their time together. Bella becomes aware of some apprehension about this extended visit.

Upon her arrival, Emma opens the door and welcomes her sister.

Come in, come in. Let me take your bag, says Emma as she grabs the handle out of Bella’s hands. You’ll have the downstairs all to yourself. We’ve remodeled the whole area. I think you’ll like it. Come, let me help you get settled.

Emma leads the way into the renovated downstairs suite with its own entrance and luxurious bathroom.

Take the time you need to settle. I’ll be in the garden when you’re ready with some nibbles and a chilled glass of Sauv Blanc.

Already Bella experiences a sense of vacation. She enjoys the bed and breakfast atmosphere, with an afternoon wine on the agenda.

The offer reminds her of the times she and her former husband enjoyed conversations about wine. They often would taste new ones he might feature at his restaurant or add to his wine list. Those investigations interested them both, comparing notes on the smell or nose of the wine and what they each experienced on their palates. Their exchanges primarily remained friendly and fun. Some of the most enjoyable shares in their relationship. Unfortunately, those pleasant interactions occurred less frequent than the conflicts.

Bella climbs the stairs and goes out to the garden. She spies Emma sitting at the bistro table, book in her hand, as usual.

What are you reading? asks Bella.

Another book by Louise Erdrich. I love her poetic prose, she responds as she lays the book on a oak barrel near the table.

The garden is comfortable and private, with abundant jasmine, honeysuckle, clematis, and wisteria. The vines create a lush green fragrant envelope for the sitting space and clamber onto a wooden slatted shade structure.

The sisters spend time catching up on family alterations. Then Emma suggests they take a short drive downtown to have dinner at Angèle’s by the river. They meet Phil there. The three of them engage in what Bella later describes as a delightful catch-up conversation over dinner, laughter, and more wine.

The next day, Bella meets with four Napa real estate brokers, appointments she set up before her journey west. The first three are larger firms that provide traditional interactions and financial structures, pretty similar to her broker in Iowa City. They are pleasant and sufficiently inviting. Nothing wrong with them. Nothing new either. Little to enliven her practice.

Her final discussion is with a broker of a smaller, regional firm that a friend of Emma’s recommended. This conversation generates excitement with Bella. The firm is young, yet impactful. During the early years of its existence, some of the top local agents joined the company. They are innovative in the tools they employ, professional in their presentations, and more collaborative than most brokerages. Agents primarily work from their homes, which also coincides with Bella’s transition.

Bella realizes right away that such a stimulating environment could revitalize her career and assist in remodeling her life as a single woman. Since college, Bella has focused heavily on her marriage and raising three children. Now she wants to breathe more enthusiasm and adventure into her existence. Reinventing her career could be part of that change. She will sit with her options for a few days. But her inclination after this last discussion trends toward joining this family-like firm.

With the interviews completed, Bella wants to experience diverse locales of the valley and get a better sense of whether this is a satisfying place to reposition herself. Alex talked with her about his desire to flower in Napa after he finishes college. Yet Bella knows she needs to confirm for herself any decision to move. She maintains several engaging friends in Iowa City. Life there could be easy. But that location never provided experiences as a haven for her. She remains committed to discover a place that stimulates a foundational sense of home for her new life.

On her second full day in the valley, Bella goes into the kitchen to make some coffee. She scents that Emma beat her to it.

OK, Sis, I took the day off, Emma begins, fully dressed with her face on and dark hair in a comfortable ponytail. Let’s drive around Napa first. Then head up valley to get a feel for different towns. There are nice places for lunch in Yountville, St. Helena, or Calistoga. And we can come back along the Trail. Then you’ll pretty much have a feel for most of the valley. This is only a taste, but it’ll be a great start.

That sounds perfect. I’d appreciate a guided tour. Especially when you know it so well. Just the two of us?

Yeah. No need to deal with the demands of others. I want to focus just on you. Besides, it will give us more time to visit and catch up without prying ears, laughs Emma.

Speaking of prying ears, how’s your daughter doing in Costa Rica? She enjoying her assignment there?

Oh yes. Alisa’s Spanish is excellent now. She’s thrilled to work as a cultural attache. It gives her a chance to connect more with the locals and understand life from their point of view.

Bella had forgotten how much she likes her sister’s effervescent smiles. They seem to show up more often now than during their somewhat tumultuous adolescence. Yet, it is more than her mouth smiling. The energy emanates from her eyes and heart as well, at least it does now. Bella loves that.

The sisters spend a lively day viewing contrasting neighborhoods of the local city, at least in relation to the remainder of the valley. Fun older neighborhoods close to downtown facilitate easy access to shops and the library with extensive old trees and lush vegetation. They also visit medium age homes in surrounding areas containing established greenwood and some local shops. Even the new homes appear nice, although Bella feels more comfortable in older neighborhoods.

They then navigate north through the main street of Yountville, then back onto the main highway through Oakville, Rutherford, and on to St. Helena for a tasty lunch at the Himalayan Sherpa Kitchen. Bella adores these northern towns, sprinkled with fun stores and often intermingled with vineyards. But homes there also tend to be more expensive.

Finding a home in Napa would be more prudent, and she’d be closer to her sister and family. Still, knowing other communities in the valley could prove essential. Especially with her inclination to continue her real estate career here.

After strolling around the shops in St. Helena and Calistoga, they motor back along Silverado Trail. Without conferring, Emma decides to snatch a detour. She turns right onto Yountville Crossroad and navigates into the center of town.

Bella perceives a sense of adventure she has not previously noticed in Emma. For the older sibling, this proves both inviting and a touch compelling.

What are we doing? Whatever it is, I’m game. This has been a lovely day with you, Sis.

We’re going to do a little wine tasting, now that our tour essentially is over. Besides, if you are going to live here, you need to start getting to know some of the 500 plus wineries in Napa Valley! laughs Emma.

That smile appears again, aerating Bella’s heart. It has been nice to reconnect with her only sibling after so many years of primarily phone or FaceTime interactions.

OK, then. Let’s do one, leaving only 499 for the future, laughs Bella, delighted with her sister’s spontaneity and enthusiasm. If I move here, we must visit them all, she says with a wink.

Emma finds a parking space along Washington Street. Bella reaches out, takes Emma’s hand and gives it a squeeze. They beam at each other. Then they stroll over to the Hill Family Estate tasting room.

Emma and her husband, Phil, love these wines, both white and red. They love Doug, the father and Proprietor, who farms the grapes and helps craft the wine. They also appreciate the birthday calls from ever smiling and friendly Ryan, Doug’s son, who is the Director of Sales. Emma and Phil enjoy the establishment so frequently, it becomes easy to remember staff member’s names.

As they enter the cool room, Bella is enchanted by the pictures on the wall, the diverse seating spaces, and different items for sale, including a wine travel case. The scent of vanilla candles and the redolence of fermented liquid permeate the atmosphere. She walks over to inspect the wine travel case, something she never considered before today. Emma strolls towards the bar. She smiles a hello to one of her favorite hosts.

Good afternoon, Alisha. My sister, who is going to move here, and I would like to do a tasting. Emma leans forward and whispers, Actually, she hasn’t made the final decision to move. But we are working on her. And I’d love your help.

Always happy to assist with such collusion, Emma. An engaging smile materializes on Alisha’s face that appears so big it fills her eyes.

Leaving the case behind, Bella joins them at the tasting bar.

Alisha, this is Bella, my older sister.

Nice to meet you, Bella. That sounds like an Italian name. Such a heritage would fit nicely into this valley, smiles the host.

Bella, this is Alisha, one of the great hosts here at Hill Family. My sister is formerly from Iowa, on her way to relocating here, especially as she gets even more into our fine Napa wines. Could you please pour us a couple of your fabulous whites? Then maybe three less common Napa reds?

Alisha places five Riedel glasses each in front of them, two for whites and three larger ones for reds. They begin with the Albariño, followed by Carly’s Cuvee Chardonnay. To Bella, both wines taste light and crispy. The latter highlights a slight buttery conclusion.

Delicious mouthwatering finish on these two, offers Alisha. They are quite popular. Especially on our warm summer afternoons, like at Bottle Rock or Porch Fest in Napa.

Oh yes, great point, Alisha, adds Emma. She winks at her collaborator.

Bella enjoys the whites. She finds the reds are even more dynamic. The Pinot has a darker color than most she has tried. The nose entices her.

This one has a lovely mid-palate rush that is rich and juicy. It’s more complex than typical Pinots.

I appreciate your descriptions, Alisha. But could you explain what you mean by mid-palate rush? asks Bella, raising an eyebrow as she looks at her.

Great question. What I mean is that the flavor starts slow, about halfway back in your mouth, then actually increases as the wine lingers on your tongue. It makes you want to savor it. Does that make sense?

Yes, thanks, Bella responds.

Alisha pours the Zinfandel.

I find this one bouncy, with crunchy red fruit and a spicy finish, she says.

Bella takes a taste. She does not sense anything bouncy. Yet she likes the fruit and spicy finish.

OK, let me ask another question. What the hell do you mean by bouncy? laughs Bella.

Alisha laughs with her.

For me, it’s almost like flavor bubbles bouncing on your tongue.

Bella takes another taste and focuses on her experience.

If I try to imagine what that’s like, I can kind of feel it.

As Bella puts down her glass, her attention goes to the front window. Couples and foursomes wander past. Alisha pours a favorite Syrah.

I love the aromas of black cherry and toasted oak. Even some raspberry glides across the tongue. I think it has a smooth, complex finish.

Bella finds the finish elaborate, and she gets a sense of oak.

Emma suggests one more wine. At this point, Bella feels a bit overwhelmed. The many different scents and flavors inundate her nose and palate.

Alisha brings out their Origin, a Bordeaux blend and bedrock for the winery. The deep, rich color is seductive. As she takes her time, Emma picks up aromas of blackberry and raspberry.

Their host describes this as a big mouthful of berries and cherry at mid palate that rolls into blueberry and red currant finish. You might even notice some chewy tannins hanging around the edges.

What Bella notices most is that she loves the complex palate and finish of each red. She savors the way these lovely wines last at the back of the throat. The ability to label more elements in her tasting experience exhilarates her. She also enjoys the ambience of the adventure.

Bella smiles at Alisha, then Emma, as she tastes this final wine.

OK, OK. Enough. I’ll move here! She laughs.

Even using the cuspidor, both women consumed an abundance of bouquets and scents from each varietal, on top of the wine enjoyed at lunch. At Emma’s encouragement, Bella joins the wine club and orders a case shipped to her Iowa home.

Another advantage, Bella considers in moving here, she would save on shipping costs. She laughs to herself as she begins to look at even minuscule reasons to reside in Napa.

On their way to the car, Bella feels a bit unsteady and understands why they only had one tasting stop this afternoon. After all, she can’t keep up with the professional taster abilities Emma developed during her time in Napa. If Bella does relocate, she plans to emulate her sister’s masterly skills.

The siblings stay up uncommonly late. They update each other on life views, circumstances, perspectives on early experiences in the East Bay, and their current families. Emma inquires how Bella is doing following her divorce. While Bella still has pain about failing in a marriage, she feels relief, given the abyss that emerged between them by the end. She notices excitement for the possibility of moving back to California, with little tethering her any longer to Iowa City.

I want to ask a direct, personal question, Emma. It feels like there has been some reticence between us over the past 20 years that seems to have evaporated today. Am I wrong about that? Am I just imagining such a distance?

Emma takes another sip of wine, gently sets her glass on the table in front of her. She appears to choose her words thoughtfully and carefully.

No, I don’t think it’s just your imagination. I’ve felt it too. But I found it difficult to talk with you about it.

What’s it about? Can you share it with me now?

I’ll try. Emma pauses for another breath, looking at the table as she reclaims her glass. While we were growing up, I always looked up to my strong, valiant big sister. I was even jealous of you at times, which probably contributed to our conflicts. Then, after you married and moved to Iowa City, you appeared to lose yourself. You seemed to defer to your husband and become overwhelmed with children and work. It appeared you abandoned your zest for life. I missed that in you. I hated to see my spirited sister disappear. Now, it seems she’s returning. That makes me happy. It’s another reason I’d love to have you close. I’d love to spend more time savoring life and each other.

Huh. OK. Thanks for your honesty. I wouldn’t have put it in those words. But your description is actually quite helpful. Since the divorce, I’ve been looking at how easily I give up myself. Your description makes it a bit clearer. And you’re right. I probably wouldn’t have been very open to feedback earlier, Bella adds with a little chuckle. And I delight in our current reconnection. Bella reaches out and gives her sister’s hand a loving squeeze. This feeling reminds me of making up after a fight when we were teenagers. It feels even more precious now.

That could partly be because you often got your way, laughs Emma. But that’s OK. I’ll get my way this time!

The next morning, Bella and Emma enjoy one last hour of conversation. Reluctantly, Bella leaves her sister to drive back to Davis and pick up Dri. After this visit, the allure of being physically and emotionally closer to her sister adds another reason for Bella’s relocation to the area.

Back in Davis, Bella shares emotional goodbyes with Alex. Then Dri painfully takes her mom to the Sacramento airport. She remains somber about her mom leaving. At the same time, she conceals her exuberance for a new adventure. She doesn’t want her mom to misinterpret such excitement to be about Bella’s absence.

They arrive in plenty of time for extended farewells. They enjoy a brief discussion about other occasions to visit, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. And share a few tears. Dri encourages Bella to move here and offers to spend time in Iowa City next summer helping her pack.

As Dri walks back to the parking garage, she waves at a plane just taking off, hoping it's her mom’s. Bella couldn’t possibly see her gesture of goodbye, even if it were her flight. It’s a more symbolic than practical wave. Yet, it pleases Dri, nonetheless. It also reawakens her sadness about Mom’s leaving.

As she unlocks the car door and gets in, she begins to ponder the challenges her mom faces as Dri motors towards her new living space. She wonders whether her mom actually will move here. Why she seldom mentions her hurt from the divorce. Who she will become with all the kids gone. If her mom were out here, Dri could spend more time talking with her about such matters. Then Dri’s attention turns more inward.

Should I take more responsibility to help Mom? Will she be OK without my support? Do I have the spunk for all this? Am I as courageous as Alex and Mom seem to be?

As she gets onto CA-113 and drives towards her new home, she notices her inner mixture of excitement, anxiety, and sadness. She takes a deep breath and slowly exhales.

Classes start tomorrow. She’s not sure how much she will see Alex as student life gets busy. So she decides to drive back to his apartment.

She finds Alex at home. He appears pleased to see her. He lounges with his roomies and invites her to chill with them.

Dri finds one of his housemates rather attractive. That helps convince her to stay. She always appreciated spending time with Alex and his beguiling friends, especially when it was Tiago, an old friend of Alex from high school. This presents a reprise of her brother’s last year at home. But in this case, Dri gets invited to hang out with the good looking guys rather than sent away.

Later in the day, the two siblings drive downtown for some dinner, giving them a chance to talk privately.

You excited to be here? This is your first real time away from Mom, isn’t it? asks Alex.

Yeah. I’m happy, and my excitement helps balance out my regret she’s not here, too. It’s funny. All through high school I couldn’t wait to leave home. Now I’m away, I’m missing her already! chuckles Dri, aware of the situational irony. Glad you’re here. That helps. But I worry about Mom. And now I’m not there to keep an eye on her.

But then you’d be living at home rather than getting an opportunity to be on your own. Besides, Iowa City’s a better place to be from than to live in, if you ask me.

Don’t get me wrong. I’d much rather be here. I just want Mom closer so I have a better sense of how she’s doing. She doesn’t talk much about the divorce. I worry about her.

Yeah, I agree. But when we talked, she seemed to be doing pretty well. I think there’s a real positive shift. A kind of coming out. Finding more of herself rather than her focus on marriage and motherhood. I think she’s in transition. In a good way.

But I think she might be a bit depressed, responds Dri. She just seems quiet and has low energy at times.

Possibly. Or maybe that’s how you see her because you get depressed. She does have lots on her mind these days.

Dri looks at her brother in amazement.

Damn, Bro. I didn’t think you were that analytical.

Hey, I’ve had Psych 101. I know a few things, Alex says through a big smile. Besides, I’m super excited to have you on campus. I missed home and all of you the first year. But it gets better. And having you here sure helps. Even if we don’t see each other every day. And it will be great to have access to the car, laughs Alex, shifting into humor as he frequently does.

What? You mean I don’t get to be with you every day? Dri says through a big smile. Then, the deal’s off. I’m going back to Iowa City!

Yeah, right! laughs Alex. Hey, you’re getting funnier in your old age.

Dri smiles at her brother. She feels grateful for their opportunity to connect more.

Yeah, but I’ll never replace you as the family comedian!

No, you can’t easily replace the best! responds Alex.

Dri notices her heart opening to her brother and, at the same time, aching for her mom. Yet, she feels happy not to obliterate one feeling when focusing on another. Now, she can pay attention to more of her complete self; holding two contrasting feelings at the same time.

Have you thought about a major yet? asks Alex.

I’ve been considering psychology. Yet, I need to focus on my tennis too. So I plan to take basic courses this first year until I feel more in the groove. Guess you’ve settled on one?

Alex shares what he has been doing, already having decided on a major in enology and viticulture. He gained experience through his program’s summer internship at the